A/N: Yea... it's been a while, hasn't it?

Well... I am back and once again I am gonna try to do another GATE fic, after the apparent success of "Tiger Strike"

Just a heads up, this is gonna be a very different story when compared to cannon. I just hope you don't mind the changes.

As always, I don't own anything other than my OCs, do don't sue me, my a$$ is broke with a car to fix.

now with that out of the way, onto the story...

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The war was over, Japan had lost and lost badly.

The Japanese Empire, once the mightiest power in the world, a nation that managed to drive out the French, British, Dutch and American empires out of Asia. A nation that subjugated millions people across Asia and the Pacific, a nation that seemed poised for greatness... now only existed in name and in memory.

The Imperial Navy, once the mighty hammer for the. Empire in the Pacific, now laid at the bottom of the sea with most of its sailors and it's commanders. Their Air Forces, now only a haunting memory for those who never got a chance to sacrifice themselves for the Glory of the Empire. while millions of Japanese Soldiers, the same one who made Asia tremble as the marched across the continent... now had to live with the humiliation of defeat and surrender. As many began to settle into a Japan they no longer recognized and without the fanfare they experienced when they left to fight.

But if there were anyone who suffered the most, now that the war was lost, it were the Japanese people themselves.

Many could still remember the horrors that came when the first B-29 raids struck their supposed island fortress. Many still could not believe that just in a few years, their homeland was now baring witness to the horrors of a war they thought was still thousands of miles away.

Eventually many within the population began to question just if their country was going to win the war. Even as food and other resources became scarce, even as American and British Warships began to bombard their shores unopposed, even as entire cities were engulfed in hellfire... the military and Government assured that that Japan would never surrender to the Western Powers. That Japan and it's People would continue to fight on and if needed, die for their glorious Emperor...

But in the end, it would be the Emperor himself that would ultimately bring an end to the war. Even a year later, many could still remember the Speech announcing Japan's unconditional surrender. Though he never used those words directly, the people finally knew that Japan had lost the war. The had been defeated.

With their country's surrender, the Japanese soon found themselves baring witness to something they never though possible... Allied Occupation.

Soon, thousands of allied troops landed in Japan and began occupy buildings and military bases that once belonged to the Japanese government and the Imperial military. Thousands of Japanese Soldiers were disarmed and forced to take orders from American and British/Commonwealth commanders. Weapons were seized and military bases were turned into garrisons for the occupational forces. As many senior officers from the military, as well as many government officials were rounded up and placed in prison. As they awaited their day in court, for the crimes Japan committed during the conflict.

Japan itself was a destroyed country. Thousands, if not millions, were now left homeless due to the American bombing campaigns. Now tasked with rebuilding their country, in a world that seemed no be unsympathetic to their suffering. Little to no infrastructure was left, with what little institutions that were left, struggled to operate with what little resources they had left. A fact made worse, as food shipments from formally occupied China and Korea were cut off.

It was in this atmosphere of unease and despair, that the U.S.S. Dallas (CL-99), steamed into Tokyo bay on what should be her final deployment.

The Dallas, was a "Brooklyn-class" light cruiser and was the last ship of her class to be built before the line was suspended. Initially apart of the Atlantic Fleet during the war, the Crusier would eventually find her way into the Pacific by 1943 and would take part in several engagements in that time.

But now with the war over and with the Navy planning to down size the fleet, the Dallas was slated for decommissioning after this deployment. Most likely to be scrapped and it's steel used to produce roster ovens and ice boxes for a population coming out of one of the worst conflicts in human history.

Standing on the bridge of the Cruiser, Captain Peter Richardson looked on as the slowly came to a stop. Before the war, back when relations with Japan were good, the Washington State native had the opportunity to visit Japan as a Cadet. The battleship he had served on had spent a few days in Osaka and he had gotten the opportunity to tour the city and surrounding area.

It was during this visit where Richardson fell in love with the country and it's people, and hoped to visit again on day. Now that wish had seemingly come through for the Naval officer, though not in the way he had hoped. Although this was the first time he was seeing Japan in decades, Richardson had been briefed about the situation in the country and had seen the accompanying news reels that came with it.

Japan was a Destroyed nation and it could be years, if not decades, before reconstruction efforts would be completed. Hopefully he would still be around when that day finally came.

Eventually USS Dallas dropped anchor near Yokosuka naval base. Once the headquarters for the Imperial Japanese Navy, the fleet facility was now being used to service the ships that were now taking part in the occupation of Japan. Minutes later, Richardson boarded a small motor launch which had been deployed by the Dallas and eventually made his way to shore.

"Welcome to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Captain." Another naval officer greeted, as he and a small contingent of Marines stood by a pair of jeeps and a green sedan. "The General sent us to meet you. I'm sorry that there was no space for your ship to dock."

"All things considered, I'm surprised that the base it even operational." Richardson replied, noting the numerous damaged buildings that were now I. the process of either being repaired or demolished. "But I digress, we can't leave MacArthur waiting."

The man agreed and eventually, the three vehicle convoy made their way out of the base and into the destroyed city.

It was during this drive, did the naval Captain get the full scope of the destruction which had taken place. The bombing raids over Tokyo had certainly been effective, as large areas of the city simply did not exist any more. Save for a few concrete buildings, everything had been destroyed and yet, the city's residents were trying their best to rebuilt with what little they had.

As apart from the destruction, Richardson could see numerous make shift shacks and tents being used as shelters and even schools. As the convoy passed a group of young children being taught by a man who could easily pass for a school teacher. An odd sight along the destruction

"What a mess.." Richardson said with a sigh, just as the convoy crossed over a small bridge.

"Can't say I feel sorry for them." the officer who as acting as his escort, replied. Sounding less then sympathetic. "They started the war and it took us nearly leaving the entire country to end it."

"No, their government started the war." The captain replied. "There people were just brain washed into believing that it was a just cause."

"Still..." the escort replied. "I've seen what their soldiers did in the Philippines, sir."

"And I had a cousin on board the Arizona, and a brother in law buried in Bataan." Richardson replied. "Their military were the ones who did those things, not the people. We may have occupied their nation, but they still out number us. So I suggest you keep your opinions on base."

The officer just shrugged and sank back into his seat, just as the convoy made its way towards the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers headquarters.

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A/N: I know, not a long chapter. But it's a start.

Trivia: The U.S.S. DALLAS is not a real ship, I just made it up for the story. But it is based off the "Brooklyn-Class" light cruiser. which is my favorite cruiser class of WW2..